Tilottama

Tilottama is an apsara (celestial nymph) described in Hindu mythology. The name Tilottama signifies "the finest sesame seed" or "she who is composed of the finest particles."

Origin and Creation:

According to various Hindu texts, including the Mahabharata and the Puranas, Tilottama was created by the divine architect Vishwakarma. She was fashioned using the most beautiful qualities and particles gathered from all the most beautiful things in the universe. Her creation was orchestrated at the behest of Brahma to destroy the increasingly troublesome Asura brothers Sunda and Upasunda. Their intense brotherhood and shared desire for everything had made them invincible, creating havoc in the heavens and the earth.

Role in the Destruction of Sunda and Upasunda:

Brahma tasked Tilottama with creating discord between the Asura brothers. Knowing their weakness for beauty, she entered the brothers' presence. Sunda and Upasunda, immediately infatuated by her divine beauty, began fighting over who would possess her. The fierce battle led to their mutual destruction, fulfilling Brahma's plan and restoring order.

Subsequent Appearances and Curses:

Tilottama appears in other narratives as well. She is sometimes associated with curses and blessings. A notable example is her encounter with Indra, the king of the gods. It is sometimes said that when Indra was lustfully eyeing her, she was turned into a river or a bird due to some sage's curse.

Symbolism:

Tilottama represents the allure of beauty and its power to distract and even destroy. She also symbolizes the divine intervention that restores balance when the universe is threatened by chaos. Her creation highlights the importance of both beauty and strategy in the cosmic order.